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April 2018 e-News

APRIL 2018

WVM James Megellas Gallery at King Opens
With an expansive remodel complete, the Wisconsin Veterans Museum celebrated the grand re-opening of the James Megellas Gallery on April 20.

The interactive museum (take virtual tour here), which covers the rich history of military members from Wisconsin, is housed at the Wisconsin Veterans Home at King in its Marden Center. The museum includes stories and artifacts from Veterans who served in United States-involved conflicts from the Civil War until today.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of the museum at King brought dozens of members from the community and members at the home….

Volunteering for Veterans
April is National Volunteer Month, a time for us to recognize the incredible work volunteers perform across the nation.
Across the WDVA’s three Veterans homes, almost 600 volunteers combined to put in more than 43,000 hours within the last year! Thank you to those volunteers who help care for our nation’s heroes every day. Your gracious work is immeasurable and appreciated.
In this month’s Field Report article, learn about our wonderful volunteers and read about the excellent work they do for our nation’s heroes… Read more »

Governor Walker Signs Bill to Expand WDVA Program for Homeless Veterans
On April 16, Governor Scott Walker signed into law legislation that allows WDVA to expand its Veterans Outreach and Recovery Program that connects with at-risk military Veterans who may suffer from mental or addiction afflictions and helps them gain the necessary skills to transition back to a healthy, sustainable lifestyle.
One of those programs is with Viterbo University’s Nutrition and Dietetics program. Interns at Viterbo pair up with Veterans and teach them valuable cooking skills… Read more »

UW BIZ SCHOOL SURVEY FOR VETERANS

Please take 5 minutes to complete this survey of military veterans in Wisconsin about business and entrepreneurship.
If you complete the Survey.vet research you will be entered into a drawing of $20 and $50 Amazon gift cards to thank you for participating.
This research was inspired by the need for better data about veterans and is designed to develop a deeper understanding of their business and entrepreneurship interests, needs, and aspirations.

ICYMI: VIETNAM WAR VETERANS COMMEMORATION

More than 100 military Veterans gathered at VFW Post 305 in Eau Claire on March 29, 2018 to honor and welcome home those who served during the Vietnam War.

The Women Veterans Retreat has been scheduled for June 8, 2018 at Trinity Equestrian Center in Eau Claire. Details coming soon.
Also, don’t forget to mark your calendar for the May 17th Cocktails with a Curator, a FREE happy-hour event with Wisconsin Veteran Museum curators sharing several jam-packed entertaining stories showcased in our galleries.
In the meantime, follow us on Facebook and Twitter for up-to-minute updates on these and and other events!

About the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs
The Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs works on behalf of Wisconsin’s veterans community — veterans, their families and their survivors — in recognition of their service and sacrifice to our state and nation. For more information,visit www.WisVets.com.

Time is Running Out for Student Vets
The VFW’s Help A Hero scholarship application period will end soon! Student veterans interested in scholarships for the 2018 fall semester can apply through April 30 here.

VFW Statement on VA Secretary Change
Last month, President Trump announced that Navy Rear Adm. (Dr.) Ronny Jackson would be nominated to become the next VA Secretary. Read Commander Harman’s full statement.

VFW Helps Combat Medic Earn His Degree
Being awarded a VFW’s “Sport Clips Help A Hero Scholarship” made it possible for Afghanistan veteran Matthew Carbonelli to finish his doctorate degree. Read about his plan to help veterans.

Time is Running Out for Student Vets
The VFW’s Help A Hero scholarship application period will end soon! Student veterans interested in scholarships for the 2018 fall semester can apply through April 30 here.

VFW Statement on VA Secretary Change
Last month, President Trump announced that Navy Rear Adm. (Dr.) Ronny Jackson would be nominated to become the next VA Secretary. Read Commander Harman’s full statement.

VFW Helps Combat Medic Earn His Degree
Being awarded a VFW’s “Sport Clips Help A Hero Scholarship” made it possible for Afghanistan veteran Matthew Carbonelli to finish his doctorate degree. Read about his plan to help veterans.

]]>119th VFW National Conventionhttp://myvfw.org/wi/post6352/uncategorized/119th-vfw-national-convention/
Tue, 13 Feb 2018 22:51:55 +0000http://myvfw.org/wi/post6352/uncategorized/119th-vfw-national-convention/Every year, thousands of VFW and Auxiliary delegates gather to represent the organization’s total membership of nearly 1.7 million at the weeklong convention. While there, our mission is to approve new national priorities to guide our organization as we lobbies Congress on issues important to the nation’s veterans, service members and their families.
Convention delegates also elect new leadership, as well as recognize prominent individuals and organizations for their support of veterans and military personnel.
Save the date for the 2018 national convention, which will be held in Kansas City, Mo., July 21-25, 2018.
The 118th VFW National Convention was held July 22 – July 26, in New Orleans.
]]>VFW Legislative Conferencehttp://myvfw.org/wi/post6352/uncategorized/vfw-legislative-conference/
Tue, 13 Feb 2018 22:47:23 +0000http://myvfw.org/wi/post6352/uncategorized/vfw-legislative-conference/Since 1949, VFW’s annual Legislative Conference has provided an opportunity for VFW leaders from each state to personally lobby their respective lawmakers and watch as VFW’s current Commander-in-Chief testifies on Capitol Hill before the House and Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committees on behalf of veterans.
Guest speakers are invited to address conference delegates, and since 1964 the VFW’s Congressional Award has been presented annually to one sitting member of the House or Senate for their significant legislative contributions on behalf of those who have worn the uniform. Also at the event, the winners of the Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen scholarship contests are announced. Each national winner reads their winning essay before conference delegates and are presented with their winnings.
The 2018 Legislative Conference is scheduled for March 4 – 7, 2018.
]]>2018 SPRING SWEEPSTAKEShttp://myvfw.org/wi/post6352/uncategorized/2018-spring-sweepstakes-2/
Tue, 13 Feb 2018 22:26:05 +0000http://myvfw.org/wi/post6352/uncategorized/2018-spring-sweepstakes-2/Continue reading →]]>2018 SPRING SWEEPSTAKES RULES
– 1/5/2018

SWEEPSTAKES RULES

1. Eligibility
The Veterans of Foreign Wars, Department of Wisconsin Sweepstakes (the “Sweepstakes”) is open to legal residents of the fifty (50) United States and the District of Columbia who are at least eighteen (18) years old at the time of entry. Employees working at State Headquarters of Veterans of Foreign Wars, Department of Wisconsin located at 4622 Dutch Mill Rd, Madison WI 53716 and other companies associated with the promotion of the Sweepstakes, are not eligible. The Sweepstakes is subject to federal, state, and local laws and regulations and is void where otherwise restricted or prohibited by law.
2. Sponsor
The Sweepstakes is sponsored by Veterans of Foreign Wars, Department of Wisconsin, located at 4622 Dutch Mill Rd, Madison, Wisconsin 53716.
3. Agreement to Official Rules
Participation in the Sweepstakes constitutes entrant’s full and unconditional agreement to and acceptance of these Official Rules and the decisions of the Sponsor, which are final and binding. Winning a prize is contingent upon being compliant with these Official Rules and fulfilling all other requirements set forth herein.
4. Sweepstakes Period
The Sweepstakes begins on January 5, 2018 at 12:01 am. Central and ends on March 30, 2018 at 11:59 pm. Central (the “Sweepstakes Period”). Entries that are submitted before or after the Sweepstakes Period will be disqualified. Submissions will be accepted for the duration of the Sweepstakes using any of the following methods:
Mail-in (preferred)
On-Site drop off at VFW, Department of WI Headquarters
5. How to Enter
Via Mail: This method of entry will be available for the entire Sweepstakes Period. To enter, complete the official Sweepstakes entry forms and mail, postmarked no later than March 30, 2018, to: Veterans of Foreign Wars, Department of Wisconsin, PO Box 6128, Monona, WI 53716.
On-Site: Drop off of completed Sweepstakes entry forms may be done by delivering to Veterans of Foreign Wars, Department of Wisconsin Headquarters, 4622 Dutch Mill Rd, Madison, WI 53716. Sweepstakes entry forms will not be available on-site.
6. Prize Drawing
On or about April 17, 2018, the Sponsor will select potential winners in a random drawing among all eligible entries received. The odds of being selected depend on the number of entries received. The Sponsor will attempt to notify the potential winners via telephone, mail or the email address supplied during entry on or about April 18, 2018. If the potential winner cannot be contacted within ten (10) days after the date of the first attempt to contact him/her, the Sponsor may select an alternate potential winner in his/her place at random from the remaining non-winning, eligible entries.
7. Winner Notification
Potential winners will be notified by telephone, mail or email. The First prize winner will be required to complete an IRS Form W9 (because prize amount is over $600), which must be returned within the time specified by Sponsor. Potential winners must have complied with all terms and conditions of these Official Rules, and winning is contingent upon fulfilling all requirements. In the event that a potential winner is disqualified for any reason, Sponsor will award the applicable prize to an alternate winner by random drawing form among all remaining eligible entries. Prizes will be fulfilled approximately 8-10 weeks after the conclusion of the Sweepstakes.
8. Prizes
One (1) First Prize: $1,000 cash. Two (2) Second Prize: $500.00. Ten (10) Third Prize: $200.00. Ten (10) Fourth Prize: $100.00.
9. General Conditions
In the event that the operation, security, or administration of the Sweepstakes is impaired in any way for any reason, including, but not limited to fraud, unauthorized computer based intrusion, unauthorized human intervention or other technical problem, or in the event the Sweepstakes is unable to run as planned for any other reason, as determined by Sponsor in its sole discretion, the Sponsor may, in its sole discretion, either (a) suspend the Sweepstakes to address the impairment and then resume, the Sweepstakes in a manner that best conforms to the spirit of these Official Rules or (b) terminate the Sweepstakes and, in the event of termination, award the prize at random from among the eligible, non-suspect entries received up to the time of the impairment. The Sponsor reserves the right in its sole discretion to disqualify any individual it finds to be tampering with the entry process or the operation of the Sweepstakes or to be acting in violation of the Official Rules or in an unsportsmanlike or disruptive manner. Any attempt by any person to damage the website or undermine the legitimate operation of the Sweepstakes may be in violation of criminal or civil law, and, should such an attempt be made, the Sponsor reserves the right to seek damages (including attorney’s fees) and any other remedies from any such person to the fullest extent permitted by law. Failure by the Sponsor to enforce any provision of these Official Rules shall not constitute a waiver of that provision.
10. Release and Limitations of Liability
By participating in the Sweepstakes, entrants agree to release and hold harmless the Sponsor, and each of their respective parents, subsidiaries, affiliates, and promotion agencies, other companies associated with the Sweepstakes, and each of their respective officers or agents from and against any claim or cause of action arising out of participation in the Sweepstakes; or receipt or use of the prize, unauthorized human intervention in the Sweepstakes; mechanical, network, electronic, computer, human, printing or typographical errors; lost, late, incomplete, garbled, illegible, undelivered, stolen, damaged, delayed, postage-due or misdirected mail, entries, any other errors or problems in connection with the Sweepstakes, including without any limitation, errors that may occur in the administration of the Sweepstakes, the announcement of the winner and the cancellation or postponement of the event. Entrant further agrees that in any cause of action, any liability assigned to Sponsor will be limited to the cost of entering and participating in the Sweepstakes, and in no event, shall the entrant be entitled to receive attorney’s fees. Sponsor is not responsible for any incorrect or inaccurate information, whether caused by site users, tampering, hacking, or by any equipment or programming associated with or utilized in the Sweepstakes. Entrant waives the right to claim any damages whatsoever, including, but not limited to, punitive, consequential, direct, or indirect damages.
11. Disputes
Except where prohibited, each entrant agrees that any and all disputes, claims, and causes of action arising out of, or connected with, the Sweepstakes or any prize awarded shall be resolved individually, without resort to any form of class action, and exclusively by courts of Dane County located in Wisconsin. All issues and questions concerning the construction, validity, interpretation and enforceability of these Official Rules, entrant’s rights and obligations, or the rights and obligations of the Sponsor in connection with the Sweepstakes, shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of Wisconsin, without giving effect to any choice of law or conflict of law rules, which would cause the application of the laws of any jurisdiction other than in Dane County, Wisconsin.
12. Privacy
Information collected from entrants is subject to Sponsor’s privacy policy.
13. Winner List
To request the names of the winners, send a self-addressed stamped envelope by June 1, 2018 to: The Veterans of Foreign Wars, Department of Wisconsin, PO Box 6128, Monona, WI 53716. A copy of the winners list may also be obtained by sending an email request to: qm@vfwwi.org. Winner List requests will only be accepted after the promotion end date (listed above).

1. Eligibility
The Veterans of Foreign Wars, Department of Wisconsin Sweepstakes (the “Sweepstakes”) is open to legal residents of the fifty (50) United States and the District of Columbia who are at least eighteen (18) years old at the time of entry. Employees working at State Headquarters of Veterans of Foreign Wars, Department of Wisconsin located at 4622 Dutch Mill Rd, Madison WI 53716 and other companies associated with the promotion of the Sweepstakes, are not eligible. The Sweepstakes is subject to federal, state, and local laws and regulations and is void where otherwise restricted or prohibited by law.
2. Sponsor
The Sweepstakes is sponsored by Veterans of Foreign Wars, Department of Wisconsin, located at 4622 Dutch Mill Rd, Madison, Wisconsin 53716.
3. Agreement to Official Rules
Participation in the Sweepstakes constitutes entrant’s full and unconditional agreement to and acceptance of these Official Rules and the decisions of the Sponsor, which are final and binding. Winning a prize is contingent upon being compliant with these Official Rules and fulfilling all other requirements set forth herein.
4. Sweepstakes Period
The Sweepstakes begins on January 5, 2018 at 12:01 am. Central and ends on March 30, 2018 at 11:59 pm. Central (the “Sweepstakes Period”). Entries that are submitted before or after the Sweepstakes Period will be disqualified. Submissions will be accepted for the duration of the Sweepstakes using any of the following methods:
Mail-in (preferred)
On-Site drop off at VFW, Department of WI Headquarters
5. How to Enter
Via Mail: This method of entry will be available for the entire Sweepstakes Period. To enter, complete the official Sweepstakes entry forms and mail, postmarked no later than March 30, 2018, to: Veterans of Foreign Wars, Department of Wisconsin, PO Box 6128, Monona, WI 53716.
On-Site: Drop off of completed Sweepstakes entry forms may be done by delivering to Veterans of Foreign Wars, Department of Wisconsin Headquarters, 4622 Dutch Mill Rd, Madison, WI 53716. Sweepstakes entry forms will not be available on-site.
6. Prize Drawing
On or about April 17, 2018, the Sponsor will select potential winners in a random drawing among all eligible entries received. The odds of being selected depend on the number of entries received. The Sponsor will attempt to notify the potential winners via telephone, mail or the email address supplied during entry on or about April 18, 2018. If the potential winner cannot be contacted within ten (10) days after the date of the first attempt to contact him/her, the Sponsor may select an alternate potential winner in his/her place at random from the remaining non-winning, eligible entries.
7. Winner Notification
Potential winners will be notified by telephone, mail or email. The First prize winner will be required to complete an IRS Form W9 (because prize amount is over $600), which must be returned within the time specified by Sponsor. Potential winners must have complied with all terms and conditions of these Official Rules, and winning is contingent upon fulfilling all requirements. In the event that a potential winner is disqualified for any reason, Sponsor will award the applicable prize to an alternate winner by random drawing form among all remaining eligible entries. Prizes will be fulfilled approximately 8-10 weeks after the conclusion of the Sweepstakes.
8. Prizes
One (1) First Prize: $1,000 cash. Two (2) Second Prize: $500.00. Ten (10) Third Prize: $200.00. Ten (10) Fourth Prize: $100.00.
9. General Conditions
In the event that the operation, security, or administration of the Sweepstakes is impaired in any way for any reason, including, but not limited to fraud, unauthorized computer based intrusion, unauthorized human intervention or other technical problem, or in the event the Sweepstakes is unable to run as planned for any other reason, as determined by Sponsor in its sole discretion, the Sponsor may, in its sole discretion, either (a) suspend the Sweepstakes to address the impairment and then resume, the Sweepstakes in a manner that best conforms to the spirit of these Official Rules or (b) terminate the Sweepstakes and, in the event of termination, award the prize at random from among the eligible, non-suspect entries received up to the time of the impairment. The Sponsor reserves the right in its sole discretion to disqualify any individual it finds to be tampering with the entry process or the operation of the Sweepstakes or to be acting in violation of the Official Rules or in an unsportsmanlike or disruptive manner. Any attempt by any person to damage the website or undermine the legitimate operation of the Sweepstakes may be in violation of criminal or civil law, and, should such an attempt be made, the Sponsor reserves the right to seek damages (including attorney’s fees) and any other remedies from any such person to the fullest extent permitted by law. Failure by the Sponsor to enforce any provision of these Official Rules shall not constitute a waiver of that provision.
10. Release and Limitations of Liability
By participating in the Sweepstakes, entrants agree to release and hold harmless the Sponsor, and each of their respective parents, subsidiaries, affiliates, and promotion agencies, other companies associated with the Sweepstakes, and each of their respective officers or agents from and against any claim or cause of action arising out of participation in the Sweepstakes; or receipt or use of the prize, unauthorized human intervention in the Sweepstakes; mechanical, network, electronic, computer, human, printing or typographical errors; lost, late, incomplete, garbled, illegible, undelivered, stolen, damaged, delayed, postage-due or misdirected mail, entries, any other errors or problems in connection with the Sweepstakes, including without any limitation, errors that may occur in the administration of the Sweepstakes, the announcement of the winner and the cancellation or postponement of the event. Entrant further agrees that in any cause of action, any liability assigned to Sponsor will be limited to the cost of entering and participating in the Sweepstakes, and in no event, shall the entrant be entitled to receive attorney’s fees. Sponsor is not responsible for any incorrect or inaccurate information, whether caused by site users, tampering, hacking, or by any equipment or programming associated with or utilized in the Sweepstakes. Entrant waives the right to claim any damages whatsoever, including, but not limited to, punitive, consequential, direct, or indirect damages.
11. Disputes
Except where prohibited, each entrant agrees that any and all disputes, claims, and causes of action arising out of, or connected with, the Sweepstakes or any prize awarded shall be resolved individually, without resort to any form of class action, and exclusively by courts of Dane County located in Wisconsin. All issues and questions concerning the construction, validity, interpretation and enforceability of these Official Rules, entrant’s rights and obligations, or the rights and obligations of the Sponsor in connection with the Sweepstakes, shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of Wisconsin, without giving effect to any choice of law or conflict of law rules, which would cause the application of the laws of any jurisdiction other than in Dane County, Wisconsin.
12. Privacy
Information collected from entrants is subject to Sponsor’s privacy policy.
13. Winner List
To request the names of the winners, send a self-addressed stamped envelope by June 1, 2018 to: The Veterans of Foreign Wars, Department of Wisconsin, PO Box 6128, Monona, WI 53716. A copy of the winners list may also be obtained by sending an email request to: qm@vfwwi.org. Winner List requests will only be accepted after the promotion end date (listed above).

1. Eligibility
The Veterans of Foreign Wars, Department of Wisconsin Sweepstakes (the “Sweepstakes”) is open to legal residents of the fifty (50) United States and the District of Columbia who are at least eighteen (18) years old at the time of entry. Employees working at State Headquarters of Veterans of Foreign Wars, Department of Wisconsin located at 4622 Dutch Mill Rd, Madison WI 53716 and other companies associated with the promotion of the Sweepstakes, are not eligible. The Sweepstakes is subject to federal, state, and local laws and regulations and is void where otherwise restricted or prohibited by law.
2. Sponsor
The Sweepstakes is sponsored by Veterans of Foreign Wars, Department of Wisconsin, located at 4622 Dutch Mill Rd, Madison, Wisconsin 53716.
3. Agreement to Official Rules
Participation in the Sweepstakes constitutes entrant’s full and unconditional agreement to and acceptance of these Official Rules and the decisions of the Sponsor, which are final and binding. Winning a prize is contingent upon being compliant with these Official Rules and fulfilling all other requirements set forth herein.
4. Sweepstakes Period
The Sweepstakes begins on January 5, 2018 at 12:01 am. Central and ends on March 30, 2018 at 11:59 pm. Central (the “Sweepstakes Period”). Entries that are submitted before or after the Sweepstakes Period will be disqualified. Submissions will be accepted for the duration of the Sweepstakes using any of the following methods:
Mail-in (preferred)
On-Site drop off at VFW, Department of WI Headquarters
5. How to Enter
Via Mail: This method of entry will be available for the entire Sweepstakes Period. To enter, complete the official Sweepstakes entry forms and mail, postmarked no later than March 30, 2018, to: Veterans of Foreign Wars, Department of Wisconsin, PO Box 6128, Monona, WI 53716.
On-Site: Drop off of completed Sweepstakes entry forms may be done by delivering to Veterans of Foreign Wars, Department of Wisconsin Headquarters, 4622 Dutch Mill Rd, Madison, WI 53716. Sweepstakes entry forms will not be available on-site.
6. Prize Drawing
On or about April 17, 2018, the Sponsor will select potential winners in a random drawing among all eligible entries received. The odds of being selected depend on the number of entries received. The Sponsor will attempt to notify the potential winners via telephone, mail or the email address supplied during entry on or about April 18, 2018. If the potential winner cannot be contacted within ten (10) days after the date of the first attempt to contact him/her, the Sponsor may select an alternate potential winner in his/her place at random from the remaining non-winning, eligible entries.
7. Winner Notification
Potential winners will be notified by telephone, mail or email. The First prize winner will be required to complete an IRS Form W9 (because prize amount is over $600), which must be returned within the time specified by Sponsor. Potential winners must have complied with all terms and conditions of these Official Rules, and winning is contingent upon fulfilling all requirements. In the event that a potential winner is disqualified for any reason, Sponsor will award the applicable prize to an alternate winner by random drawing form among all remaining eligible entries. Prizes will be fulfilled approximately 8-10 weeks after the conclusion of the Sweepstakes.
8. Prizes
One (1) First Prize: $1,000 cash. Two (2) Second Prize: $500.00. Ten (10) Third Prize: $200.00. Ten (10) Fourth Prize: $100.00.
9. General Conditions
In the event that the operation, security, or administration of the Sweepstakes is impaired in any way for any reason, including, but not limited to fraud, unauthorized computer based intrusion, unauthorized human intervention or other technical problem, or in the event the Sweepstakes is unable to run as planned for any other reason, as determined by Sponsor in its sole discretion, the Sponsor may, in its sole discretion, either (a) suspend the Sweepstakes to address the impairment and then resume, the Sweepstakes in a manner that best conforms to the spirit of these Official Rules or (b) terminate the Sweepstakes and, in the event of termination, award the prize at random from among the eligible, non-suspect entries received up to the time of the impairment. The Sponsor reserves the right in its sole discretion to disqualify any individual it finds to be tampering with the entry process or the operation of the Sweepstakes or to be acting in violation of the Official Rules or in an unsportsmanlike or disruptive manner. Any attempt by any person to damage the website or undermine the legitimate operation of the Sweepstakes may be in violation of criminal or civil law, and, should such an attempt be made, the Sponsor reserves the right to seek damages (including attorney’s fees) and any other remedies from any such person to the fullest extent permitted by law. Failure by the Sponsor to enforce any provision of these Official Rules shall not constitute a waiver of that provision.
10. Release and Limitations of Liability
By participating in the Sweepstakes, entrants agree to release and hold harmless the Sponsor, and each of their respective parents, subsidiaries, affiliates, and promotion agencies, other companies associated with the Sweepstakes, and each of their respective officers or agents from and against any claim or cause of action arising out of participation in the Sweepstakes; or receipt or use of the prize, unauthorized human intervention in the Sweepstakes; mechanical, network, electronic, computer, human, printing or typographical errors; lost, late, incomplete, garbled, illegible, undelivered, stolen, damaged, delayed, postage-due or misdirected mail, entries, any other errors or problems in connection with the Sweepstakes, including without any limitation, errors that may occur in the administration of the Sweepstakes, the announcement of the winner and the cancellation or postponement of the event. Entrant further agrees that in any cause of action, any liability assigned to Sponsor will be limited to the cost of entering and participating in the Sweepstakes, and in no event, shall the entrant be entitled to receive attorney’s fees. Sponsor is not responsible for any incorrect or inaccurate information, whether caused by site users, tampering, hacking, or by any equipment or programming associated with or utilized in the Sweepstakes. Entrant waives the right to claim any damages whatsoever, including, but not limited to, punitive, consequential, direct, or indirect damages.
11. Disputes
Except where prohibited, each entrant agrees that any and all disputes, claims, and causes of action arising out of, or connected with, the Sweepstakes or any prize awarded shall be resolved individually, without resort to any form of class action, and exclusively by courts of Dane County located in Wisconsin. All issues and questions concerning the construction, validity, interpretation and enforceability of these Official Rules, entrant’s rights and obligations, or the rights and obligations of the Sponsor in connection with the Sweepstakes, shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of Wisconsin, without giving effect to any choice of law or conflict of law rules, which would cause the application of the laws of any jurisdiction other than in Dane County, Wisconsin.
12. Privacy
Information collected from entrants is subject to Sponsor’s privacy policy.
13. Winner List
To request the names of the winners, send a self-addressed stamped envelope by June 1, 2018 to: The Veterans of Foreign Wars, Department of Wisconsin, PO Box 6128, Monona, WI 53716. A copy of the winners list may also be obtained by sending an email request to: qm@vfwwi.org. Winner List requests will only be accepted after the promotion end date (listed above).

1. Eligibility
The Veterans of Foreign Wars, Department of Wisconsin Sweepstakes (the “Sweepstakes”) is open to legal residents of the fifty (50) United States and the District of Columbia who are at least eighteen (18) years old at the time of entry. Employees working at State Headquarters of Veterans of Foreign Wars, Department of Wisconsin located at 4622 Dutch Mill Rd, Madison WI 53716 and other companies associated with the promotion of the Sweepstakes, are not eligible. The Sweepstakes is subject to federal, state, and local laws and regulations and is void where otherwise restricted or prohibited by law.
2. Sponsor
The Sweepstakes is sponsored by Veterans of Foreign Wars, Department of Wisconsin, located at 4622 Dutch Mill Rd, Madison, Wisconsin 53716.
3. Agreement to Official Rules
Participation in the Sweepstakes constitutes entrant’s full and unconditional agreement to and acceptance of these Official Rules and the decisions of the Sponsor, which are final and binding. Winning a prize is contingent upon being compliant with these Official Rules and fulfilling all other requirements set forth herein.
4. Sweepstakes Period
The Sweepstakes begins on January 5, 2018 at 12:01 am. Central and ends on March 30, 2018 at 11:59 pm. Central (the “Sweepstakes Period”). Entries that are submitted before or after the Sweepstakes Period will be disqualified. Submissions will be accepted for the duration of the Sweepstakes using any of the following methods:
Mail-in (preferred)
On-Site drop off at VFW, Department of WI Headquarters
5. How to Enter
Via Mail: This method of entry will be available for the entire Sweepstakes Period. To enter, complete the official Sweepstakes entry forms and mail, postmarked no later than March 30, 2018, to: Veterans of Foreign Wars, Department of Wisconsin, PO Box 6128, Monona, WI 53716.
On-Site: Drop off of completed Sweepstakes entry forms may be done by delivering to Veterans of Foreign Wars, Department of Wisconsin Headquarters, 4622 Dutch Mill Rd, Madison, WI 53716. Sweepstakes entry forms will not be available on-site.
6. Prize Drawing
On or about April 17, 2018, the Sponsor will select potential winners in a random drawing among all eligible entries received. The odds of being selected depend on the number of entries received. The Sponsor will attempt to notify the potential winners via telephone, mail or the email address supplied during entry on or about April 18, 2018. If the potential winner cannot be contacted within ten (10) days after the date of the first attempt to contact him/her, the Sponsor may select an alternate potential winner in his/her place at random from the remaining non-winning, eligible entries.
7. Winner Notification
Potential winners will be notified by telephone, mail or email. The First prize winner will be required to complete an IRS Form W9 (because prize amount is over $600), which must be returned within the time specified by Sponsor. Potential winners must have complied with all terms and conditions of these Official Rules, and winning is contingent upon fulfilling all requirements. In the event that a potential winner is disqualified for any reason, Sponsor will award the applicable prize to an alternate winner by random drawing form among all remaining eligible entries. Prizes will be fulfilled approximately 8-10 weeks after the conclusion of the Sweepstakes.
8. Prizes
One (1) First Prize: $1,000 cash. Two (2) Second Prize: $500.00. Ten (10) Third Prize: $200.00. Ten (10) Fourth Prize: $100.00.
9. General Conditions
In the event that the operation, security, or administration of the Sweepstakes is impaired in any way for any reason, including, but not limited to fraud, unauthorized computer based intrusion, unauthorized human intervention or other technical problem, or in the event the Sweepstakes is unable to run as planned for any other reason, as determined by Sponsor in its sole discretion, the Sponsor may, in its sole discretion, either (a) suspend the Sweepstakes to address the impairment and then resume, the Sweepstakes in a manner that best conforms to the spirit of these Official Rules or (b) terminate the Sweepstakes and, in the event of termination, award the prize at random from among the eligible, non-suspect entries received up to the time of the impairment. The Sponsor reserves the right in its sole discretion to disqualify any individual it finds to be tampering with the entry process or the operation of the Sweepstakes or to be acting in violation of the Official Rules or in an unsportsmanlike or disruptive manner. Any attempt by any person to damage the website or undermine the legitimate operation of the Sweepstakes may be in violation of criminal or civil law, and, should such an attempt be made, the Sponsor reserves the right to seek damages (including attorney’s fees) and any other remedies from any such person to the fullest extent permitted by law. Failure by the Sponsor to enforce any provision of these Official Rules shall not constitute a waiver of that provision.
10. Release and Limitations of Liability
By participating in the Sweepstakes, entrants agree to release and hold harmless the Sponsor, and each of their respective parents, subsidiaries, affiliates, and promotion agencies, other companies associated with the Sweepstakes, and each of their respective officers or agents from and against any claim or cause of action arising out of participation in the Sweepstakes; or receipt or use of the prize, unauthorized human intervention in the Sweepstakes; mechanical, network, electronic, computer, human, printing or typographical errors; lost, late, incomplete, garbled, illegible, undelivered, stolen, damaged, delayed, postage-due or misdirected mail, entries, any other errors or problems in connection with the Sweepstakes, including without any limitation, errors that may occur in the administration of the Sweepstakes, the announcement of the winner and the cancellation or postponement of the event. Entrant further agrees that in any cause of action, any liability assigned to Sponsor will be limited to the cost of entering and participating in the Sweepstakes, and in no event, shall the entrant be entitled to receive attorney’s fees. Sponsor is not responsible for any incorrect or inaccurate information, whether caused by site users, tampering, hacking, or by any equipment or programming associated with or utilized in the Sweepstakes. Entrant waives the right to claim any damages whatsoever, including, but not limited to, punitive, consequential, direct, or indirect damages.
11. Disputes
Except where prohibited, each entrant agrees that any and all disputes, claims, and causes of action arising out of, or connected with, the Sweepstakes or any prize awarded shall be resolved individually, without resort to any form of class action, and exclusively by courts of Dane County located in Wisconsin. All issues and questions concerning the construction, validity, interpretation and enforceability of these Official Rules, entrant’s rights and obligations, or the rights and obligations of the Sponsor in connection with the Sweepstakes, shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of Wisconsin, without giving effect to any choice of law or conflict of law rules, which would cause the application of the laws of any jurisdiction other than in Dane County, Wisconsin.
12. Privacy
Information collected from entrants is subject to Sponsor’s privacy policy.
13. Winner List
To request the names of the winners, send a self-addressed stamped envelope by June 1, 2018 to: The Veterans of Foreign Wars, Department of Wisconsin, PO Box 6128, Monona, WI 53716. A copy of the winners list may also be obtained by sending an email request to: qm@vfwwi.org. Winner List requests will only be accepted after the promotion end date (listed above).

1. VFW Supports VA Accountability First Act: This month marks the third anniversary of a nationwide crisis in access to care that branded the Department of Veterans Affairs as an inept and corrupt government bureaucracy that was failing in its primary mission to care for those who had borne the battle. In the aftermath, Congress quickly crafted a new law to improve the VA secretary’s authority to remove senior VA executives for performance or misconduct, but the new authority did not last long, as it would be later deemed unconstitutional — over alleged due process rights violations — and the disciplinary actions against the VA executives were reversed. In an opinion editorial, VFW National Commander Brian Duffy called the VA Accountability First Act of 2017 — sponsored by House VA Committee Chairman Dr. Phil Roe and Sen. Marco Rubio — the right vehicle to finally enable VA leadership to fire inept, irresponsible and crime-committing employees, because “maintaining the status quo doesn’t work for those who have borne the battle,” he wrote. Read the VFW Commander’s editorial.

2. EO Improves VA Accountability, Whistleblower Protections: The president signed an executive order yesterday that will improve VA employee accountability and better protect whistleblowers. The EO creates a VA Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection to identify statutory barriers that currently prevent VA from properly disciplining or terminating employees, as well as hinders the department’s ability to recruit, reward and retain high-performing employees. The new office will report directly to VA Secretary Dr. David Shulkin, and work closely with existing VA offices to ensure all incidents of wrongdoing are properly investigated and corrected, as well as protect those employees who disclose the wrongdoing from retaliation. “The VA was created for one purpose: to care for our nation’s wounded, ill and injured veterans,” said VFW National Commander Brian Duffy. “The VFW applauds this action, which we hope will soon be bolstered by the passage of the VA Accountability First Act of 2017, because Secretary Shulkin must have the authority to manage his people in a manner expected of all senior executives, public or private.” Read the executive order.

3. VFW Attends Roundtable on VA Caregiver Program: On Thursday, the House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Health held a roundtable to discuss VA’s Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers. Subcommittee members asked VA questions regarding recent reports of veterans being removed from the program. VA detailed several initiatives it is taking to standardize the program so veterans aren’t removed from the program when they move from one VA medical facility to another, including a national directive which will provide more guidance to local VA medical facilities. VFW Legislative Director Carlos Fuentes urged VA and Congress to review all recent revocations to determine whether they were accurate and to improve off-ramp processes for veterans being removed from the program to ensure they have an opportunity to adjust to losing the comprehensive support they receive. Fuentes also called on Congress to expand this important program to pre-9/11 veterans. Visit VA Caregiver’s website for information on the program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers or Hidden Heroes to find resources for veteran and military caregivers.

4. Retired Soldier Council Panel: On Tuesday, the VFW participated in a panel discussion during the annual meeting of the Chief of Staff, Army Retired Soldier Council. The VFW and other VSOs answered questions on TRICARE benefits, DOD’s 180-day post-retirement hiring limitation for retirees, cost-of-living concerns, Reserve retirement age provisions and other issues of concern to retirees. Created in 1971, the Retired Soldier Council’s mission is to provide advice and recommendations to the Chief of Staff of the Army on issues and policies impacting retirees, surviving spouses and their families, and strengthen communication between the active and reserve components and the retired community. Read more about the Retired Soldier Council.

5. Defense Health Agency Working Group: The VFW participated in a veterans and military service organization working group on Wednesday with Acting Deputy Director of the Defense Health Agency (DHA) RADM Colin Chinn. Discussions focused on implementation of National Defense Authorization Act TRICARE changes, the May 1 transition of the TRICARE dental program from MetLife to United Concordia, upcoming changes in treatment for mental health and substance use disorder, DHA’s “Empower the Patient” cybersecurity campaign, and improvements to the TRICARE Online Patient Portal.

6. Senate Holds Veteran Suicide Prevention Hearing: On Thursday, the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies held a hearing titled “Preventing Veteran Suicide.” The panel included the Department of Veterans Affairs Inspector General, and individuals from the Veterans Health Administration, Military Veteran Project and RAND Corporation. Chairman Jerry Moran and subcommittee members inquired about resources and support VA needs to lower the number of veteran suicides. Also discussed was the impact of access issues in rural areas, properly managing chronic pain and VA’s delay in addressing inspector general recommendations. Read the testimony or view the hearing.

7. VA Partners to Increase Medical Providers: On Thursday, the Department of Veterans Affairs entered into a partnership with the Department of Health and Human Services. This partnership will allow medical professionals from the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps to provide care to veterans at VA medical facilities. Effective immediately, the partnership agreement allows up to 20 medical professionals from the Commissioned Corps to provide treatment in VA facilities deemed to be in the most need of staffing support. An additional 10 officers from the Commissioned Corps are able to assist in support coordination for veterans receiving VA community care.

8. New Construction Guidelines for State Veteran Nursing Homes: On Thursday, Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. David Shulkin announced new guidelines for construction of State Veteran Nursing Homes. The new regulations will streamline the construction process for State Veteran Nursing Homes by eliminating red tape. Previously, to qualify for VA State Veterans Home grants, governors and state officials had to follow federal construction design guidelines. With the new regulations, that is no longer the case. Governors are authorized to follow their own state guidelines in the construction design of these facilities, while still qualifying for the same level of federal grant funding as before. This announcement is a great improvement which enables states to expand long term care for veterans. The VFW applauds Secretary Shulkin for his forward thinking attitude with this announcement, as it will have an immediate and positive impact on veterans.

9. V-E Day May 8: Visitors to Washington, D.C., are invited to help commemorate the 72nd anniversary of Victory in Europe Day at the National World War II Memorial at 11 a.m., May 8. The WWII Memorial has very few disability parking spaces, and street parking could be limited since it’s the tourist season and it’s a workday. Taxis are plentiful and recommended. The two closest Metro stations, Federal Triangle and Smithsonian, are both about a half-mile away. Learn about this and other events.

10. MIA Update: The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced the identification of remains of four Americans who had been missing in action from WWII and Korea. Returning home for burial with full military honors are:— Navy Fireman 3rd Class Robert N. Walkowiak, 20, of Oshkosh, Wis., will be buried April 28 in the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu. Walkowiak was assigned to the USS Oklahoma, which was moored off Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, when Japanese aircraft attacked his ship on Dec. 7, 1941. Walkowiak was one of 429 crewmen killed in the attack. Read about Walkowiak.— Army Cpl. Freddie L. Henson, 19, of Klamath Falls, Ore., will be buried May 4 in Houston. Henson served with Battery A, 57th Field Artillery Battalion, 7th Infantry Division, part of the 31st Regimental Combat Team deployed east of the Chosin Reservoir in North Korea. The RCT was attacked by an overwhelming number of Chinese forces in late November 1950. Henson was among 1,300 members of the RCT killed or captured in enemy territory. He was reported missing as of Dec. 6, 1950. Read about Henson.— Marine Corps 2nd Lt. George S. Bussa was assigned to Company F, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marines, 2nd Marine Division. On Nov. 20, 1943, Bussa’s unit landed on the small island of Betio in the Tarawa Atoll against stiff Japanese resistance. Bussa was killed on the first day of the battle, one of approximately 1,000 Marines and sailors killed in the intense fighting. Interment services are pending. Read about Bussa.— Army Pvt. Walter F. Piper was assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division. Piper was reported missing in action on Feb. 13, 1951, while fighting in Korea. Interment services are pending. Read about Piper.

1. Join the VFW in Opposing GI Bill Tax on Troops: The VFW adamantly opposes a proposed tax on military service members to pay for the GI Bill. “We are still a nation at war. We have troops actively engaged in Iraq, in Afghanistan, and now in Syria,” said VFW National Commander Brian Duffy. “The war on terrorism is not over! Congress’ focus should be on defeating our enemies and ending the war, not cutting the benefits of those who are fighting it.” With impending changes to TRICARE and retirement benefits, this proposed tax on troops would force the brave men and women who join the military to choose between health care, retirement and education benefits. As Congress looks to tax junior military service members to pay for their post-military educational benefits, the VFW needs every member and supporter to get involved and help protect the GI Bill. Join the discussion by using the hashtag #NoTaxOnTroops on your Facebook, Twitter, and other social media sites. Use the talking points for the proposed tax on troops and contact your members of Congress. If you have questions on how to get involved, please email vfwac@vfw.org.

2. President Signs VFW-Supported Bill: On Wednesday, VFW Adjutant General Robert E. Wallace was at the White House to join President Trump as he signed a VFW-supported bill to expand and improve the Choice Program into law. S. 544 will authorize VA to continue the Choice Program for an additional eight months. It would also improve the Choice Program by ensuring veterans are not billed for Choice Program care and streamlining medical record sharing to expedite the Choice Program scheduling process –– two issues the VFW had identified and asked Congress to fix. Learn more about the VFW’s concerns about the Choice Program and other VA community care programs.

3. VFW Base Visit: VFW Director of National Security and Foreign Affairs Sarah Maples and Assistant Director for Field Operations Gregg Orto visited our partners at Fort Campbell, Ky., this week. In addition to observing the Benefits Delivery at Discharge claims process, they also toured the installation’s new Army Community Service’s building and met with the Transition
Service Manager, VA Benefits Advisors, the DOD/VA Liaison, Wounded Warrior Battalion Coordinators, the Chief, Medical Boards, and VA Military Services Coordinator from the Integrated Disability Evaluation System process. The VFW provides claims assistance to transitioning service members at Fort Campbell, and VFW leaders routinely conduct site visits to see firsthand how the military is working to successfully transition service members back to civilian life.

4. VA to Review Caregivers Program: On Monday, VA announced that VA medical centers around the country will not discontinue or graduate veterans from the VA’s Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers for the next three weeks. Secretary of Veterans Affairs David J. Shulkin announced that VA will take the three weeks to evaluate the “consistency of revocations in the program and standardize communication with Veterans and caregivers nationwide.” Resources and information for veteran and military caregivers can be found at Hidden Heroes.

5. First of Five VA Public-Private Construction Projects Announced: This week, VA established partnership with an Omaha, Neb., based non-profit group which would enable VA to save taxpayer money by combining federal funds and $30 million for the Veterans Ambulatory Center Development Corporation to fund a new $86 million VA clinic. The Omaha initiative is the first of five approved by Congress using public and private monies. “This trailblazing project represents another example of the bold changes happening at VA,” Secretary of Veterans Affairs David J. Shulkin said in a statement. The VFW has long supported the idea of public-private partnerships between VA and community groups to spread-load the cost of new facilities and expedite how long it takes for VA to build new facilities. This is a major step forward and a great template for improving how VA expands services to our nation’s veterans.

6. MIA Update: The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced the identification of remains of ten Americans who had been missing in action from WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. Returning home for burial with full military honors are: — Army Pfc. Kenneth R. Miller, 23, of East Cleveland, Ohio, will be buried April 21 in the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu. Miller was assigned to Company K, 3rd Battalion, 19th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division. On April 23, 1951, his unit was forced to withdraw from their position while fighting Chinese forces. Miller was reported missing following the withdrawal. Read more about Miller. — Navy Fireman 1st Class Michael Galajdik, 25, of Joliet, Ill., will be buried April 22 in Elwood, Ill. Galajdik was assigned to the USS Oklahoma, which was moored off Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, when Japanese aircraft attacked his ship on Dec. 7, 1941. Galajdik was one of 429 crewmen killed in the attack. Read more about Galajdik. — Navy Ensign Verdi D. Sederstrom, 25, of Montevideo, Minn., will be buried April 26, in Arlington National Cemetery near Washington, D.C. Sederstrom was assigned to the USS Oklahoma, which was moored off Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, when Japanese aircraft attacked his ship on Dec. 7, 1941. Sederstrom was one of 429 crewmen killed in the attack. Read more about Sederstrom. — Seaman 1st Class Milton R. Surratt was assigned to the USS Oklahoma, which was moored off Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, when Japanese aircraft attacked his ship on Dec. 7, 1941. Surratt was one of 429 crewmen killed in the attack. Interment services are pending. Read about Surratt.
— Army Air Forces Pvt. Harold S. Hirschi was assigned to Headquarters Squadron, 19th Bombardment Group. Hirschi died Nov. 19, 1942, in the Philippines. Interment services are pending. Read about Hirschi. — Army Cpl. Leslie R. Sutton was assigned to Battery C, 99th Field Artillery Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division. Sutton was reported missing in action on Nov. 2, 1950, while fighting in Korea. Interment services are pending. Read about Sutton. — Army Pfc. Richard A. Lucas was assigned to Company C, 1st Battalion 9th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division. Lucas was reported missing in action on Nov. 26, 1950, while fighting in Korea. Interment services are pending. Read about Lucas. — Army Sgt. 1st Class Richard G. Cushman was assigned to Company A, 72nd Medium Tank Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division. Cushman was reported missing in action Dec. 5, 1950, while fighting in Korea. Interment services are pending. Read about Cushman. — Army Pvt. Walter F. Piper was assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division. Piper was reported missing in action on Feb. 13, 1951, while fighting in Korea. Interment services are pending. Read about Piper. — Air Force Col. William E. Campbell was assigned to the 497th Tactical Fighter Squadron. Campbell was reported missing in action on Jan. 29, 1969, while operating in Laos. Interment services are pending. Read about Campbell.